Liam Duckstein
Erling Haaland has called Manchester City’s 2024/25 campaign both “horrific” and “boring”, stressing that only a Wembley triumph in the FA Cup final will save what he considers a failed season. Despite a fourth-place Premier League standing and Champions League hopes intact, City’s inability to claim a fifth successive league title has cast a shadow over their efforts.
Haaland: “It’s Not a Successful Season”
The Norwegian striker, 24, was candid in his assessment during an interview with BBC Sport.
“This season has been tough. It’s not nice to lose so many games. It’s boring and not fun,” he said, highlighting the steep standards set by City’s recent dominance.
City, 18 points behind champions Liverpool, were knocked out of the Champions League by Real Madrid and exited the Carabao Cup at the hands of Tottenham.
“If you don’t win five titles in a row, it’s not a successful season,” Haaland added.
Looking Ahead to Crystal Palace at Wembley
Saturday’s FA Cup final against Crystal Palace offers redemption. But Haaland warned against underestimating their opponents:
“Palace are a really difficult team. They started strong at the Etihad and held us to a draw at Selhurst.”
A win would give City a second domestic trophy this season, having already captured the Community Shield in August. For Haaland, it would also be a personal milestone after battling back from injury.
Return from Injury and Honest Self-Reflection
Haaland missed seven games with an ankle injury sustained in the FA Cup quarter-final but returned in City’s 0-0 draw against Southampton.
“It has been horrible to get injured… you have to make the best of it and come back with energy,” he said.
He acknowledged the squad’s collective struggles:
“We haven’t been stable, haven’t won enough games. We need to perform better in the big games. No excuses — every one of us hasn’t been good enough.”
Kevin De Bruyne’s Final Act
Saturday also marks the end of an era. Kevin De Bruyne, City’s midfield maestro, will leave the club this summer after winning six Premier League titles, a Champions League, and countless domestic honors.
“We’d love for Kevin to finish with a trophy. It’s been a joy playing with him. He’s irreplaceable in many ways,”said Haaland.
“When Kevin leaves, we’ll need someone to step up — but replacing him won’t be easy.”
Haaland recalled attending Wembley as a fan in 2014 with his father, Alf Inge Haaland.
“It’s always special to play there. I’ve seen City win from the stands, and now I want to help win it again as a player.”
Final Thought:
It’s been a season of setbacks by Manchester City’s sky-high standards, but with Erling Haaland hungry and De Bruyne eyeing a perfect send-off, Wembley offers one last shot at silverware — and salvation.